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Half Moon Bay Brewing Company Reviews List
Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Recently selected by Men's Fitness as one of America’s Top Ten Craft Breweries, and by Travel + Leisure Magazine as one of America's Best Beach Bars, the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company is an Oceanfront Restaurant and Micro Brewery offering California coastal cuisine, and handcrafted award winning Mavericks Beers&Ales. The 6,000-square-foot restaurant and bar is reminiscent of a typical California surf shack, a family-friendly, come-as-you-are atmosphere with live weekend music and an expansive, dog-friendly patio area with blazing fire pits to keep patrons warm on the waterfront. Behind the restaurant lie the 1,200 square-foot Mavericks Beer Garden and on-site brewery, where hand-crafted, award-winning Mavericks® Beers & Ales are piped directly to the bar. Located 4 miles north of Half Moon Bay at Pillar Point Harbor and ½ mile from Mavericks, the world-famous big wave surf spot. No bar or patio reservations. Please make reservations 2 hours prior to time requested.
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65 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Rating Breakdown 65 reviews
5 stars
(12)
4 stars
(32)
3 stars
(16)
2 stars
(4)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- great for outdoor dining(43)
- scenic view(40)
- good for groups(27)
- great for lunch(23)
- kid-friendly(20)
- neighborhood gem(16)
Half Moon Bay Brewing Company Reviews List
Review 1 for Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Went for lunch and was disappointed. Stood forever at th counter while employees went by, no acknowledgement ofmour presence. once seated, foundoutn4 of the standard ales, on the menu, were unavailable. Other adds we're not very good. Order food, but none thin special and one of 4 dishes actually bad. Remember it eing better in the past, but notmsuremi will try again."
Dined on 5/20/2013
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Review 2 for Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Bread for the crab roll was not as fresh as it should be."
Dined on 5/14/2013
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Review 3 for Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Just So So...
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Went with party of 10 and had a res thru Open Table. Took 20 minutes for them to get the table ready and it was dirty and they had wiped the table off on to the chairs. Very nice server named Caleb who did his best, but he had too many tables so it took some time. The food was good. The bar with the band was hopping and looked terrific. I'd return."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, scenic view, neighborhood gem, hot spot, kid-friendly
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Review 4 for Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We were seated quickly, but I asked to be moved as the area that they first tried to seat me in had an off smell. The new location was much better, though the room was quite warm. The service was ok. An error was made when the order was put in for a garden burger vs. a regular burger (what I ordered). While they corrected the issue, I sat and watched my dining companion eat so his meal would not get cold. I think an offer to comp the burger should have been made. I asked the server for ketchup and mayo, he never returned, I found some on a nearby table. When the bill arrived, both the garden and the regular burger were on the menu. Hit and miss service and food here, but nice view and I would return."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: scenic view
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Review 5 for Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Find!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was my first visit to half Moon Bay Brewery and I had enjoyed myself! The beer and food was great and I really appreciated this restaurant having half orders. I will recommend it and be back this next time I'm in town."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, scenic view, neighborhood gem, kid-friendly
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Review 6 for Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A wonderful Meal, View, Experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I booked Mother's Day brunch at the HMB Brewing Company for 13 family members, to include four Moms, and we all had a great time. The service was perfect, the meals tasty and plentiful, and the harbor views from a picture book. It was so nice of the chef and the restaturant manager to come out and visit the guests at the tables. it made us feel special and wanted.
We will surely return to the HMB Brewery. Thank you for making Mother's Day a special occassion for my family."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, kid-friendly, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 7 for Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good for a weekend breakfast/lunch
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I think this would be been better if we ate outside. The outside tables were very nice & right across from the water. The food was slightly better than average and since it was a special occasion I was hoping for more. For a weekend breakfast/lunch on the coast, its a great stop."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, scenic view
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Review 8 for Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Very Disappointed!
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Not at all like any of previous reviews. Service was good basically but quality and taste of food terrible. Never will go back. There's too many choices for this place to stay in business if they do not change their food quality..."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: scenic view
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Review 9 for Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Always a fun place to eat!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great place with some of the best Poke around...Pineapple salsa and ceviche excellent as well;
Great spot at Princeton by the Sea"
Great spot at Princeton by the Sea"
Dined on 04/25/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 10 for Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very friendly staff, great
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Very friendly staff, great food and beer. Not much else required to make us loyal customers."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly
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Review 11 for Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Beer and Food Disapointing
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"When compared to past visits, the green lipped mussels were few and overcooked in a sauce with little flavor. The beer recipes changed as well. The Tunnel Vision and Princeton by The Sea IPAs emphasized bitterness instead of flavor. I will go back based on past good experiences but things better improve. There are other options for micros brews and food in town."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2009
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Review 12 for Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
HMB Brewery for Breakfast is GREAT
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"We are so pleased to have such a great place to eat for Breakfast on the coast now. It is long over due. I tried the crab cake eggs benedict, my wife had their traditional eggs benedict, my son had the breakfast pizza, and then we topped it off with the stach french toast as a dessert. Eveything was so very tasty and plentiful. We especially loved the bottomless (all-you-can-drink) bloody mary's and mirmosas for only $15. A great deal all around, then you add in the great views of the harbor and ocean -- simply perfect."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 13 for Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good food for a brew pub,
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Good food for a brew pub, good beer, friendly service!
Reservations online DO NOT count for outdoor seating, so BE AWARE."
Reservations online DO NOT count for outdoor seating, so BE AWARE."
Dined on 03/17/2013
2010
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for lunch
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Review 14 for Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
My party had a reservation
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My party had a reservation so we were seated immediately at a window table, as requested. Beautiful view, food and wine was excellent. Only drawback is this restaurant is now very casual - for dinner I expected at least tablecloths - and very noisy. There was a group two tables over that was so loud we could not even hold a conversation."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2004
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, scenic view
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Review 15 for Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The Half Moon Bay Brewing
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
"The Half Moon Bay Brewing Company Restaurant is a gem of a find. They just recently opened for breakfast on weekends and it is marvelous. The food, service, atmosphere all where excellent. The chef (Gaston?) came out to greet the guests and to get real-time feedback. This place is very focused on customer service. The manager (Nate?) was on top of everything. I will be frequenting the Half Moon Bay Brewery on weekend mornings too, instead of just dinner, drinks, and music during the evenings."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 16 for Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Drove in from SF to see Pamela
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Drove in from SF to see Pamela Rose. Had a great dinner. Loved our server who helped make the evening especially fun. Later, retreated to the bar and really got the night going listening to Pamela and band, boogying the night away. A great time was had by all."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 17 for Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We love craft brews so we
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We love craft brews so we were anxious to try the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company. While the view was not as scenic as at the Chowder House up the road, the beers were MUCH BETTER. Also the pear salad was excellent. We'll definitely return."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, scenic view
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Review 18 for Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Our server was very attentive
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our server was very attentive and personable. Luciana described Cochinitas Pibil to me, I ordered it and it was delicious. Luciana made sure that we were well taken care of. Thank you!"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, scenic view
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Review 19 for Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This restaurant is located
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This restaurant is located on the shoreline with a terrific view. The food and service are both very good, and the servings are huge. There are many entrees that could be shared by diners with average appetites, as we took home a large quantity of food.
The prices are a bit high, but Half Moon Bay Brewing Company is a fun dining experience that we all enjoyed."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2005
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 20 for Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Fish Tacos were very bland.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Fish Tacos were very bland. Would probably give it another shot, just trying something else on the menu."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2008
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Review 21 for Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good Overall
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My wife and I were in California and decided to take a drive to this area south of San Francisco. Half Moon Bay was recommended to us as we were in search of good seafood. The clam chowder is highly recommended, however the rest of our entrees were merely "good". Nothing exceptional to really recommend, but worth the price in general. There's a restaurant I won't name up the street that is better and more notable. However, at the time we visited Half Moon we couldn't get into the other establishment. Seemed like more of a local place to go, but keep the food expectations in check."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2006
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 22 for Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The main entrees arrived before
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The main entrees arrived before our appetizers, soup & salad. Food was average. Did not have a great experience."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2012
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 23 for Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The beers are pretty good.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The beers are pretty good. The two that I had (a black IPA and a standard IPA) were true to style and fairly tasty. Service was excellent, very attentive. The food was also very good, with the fisherman's stew being just too much delicious seafood to eat. Perfect place for outdoor drinks and eats, but it was a little cold when I was there."
Dined on 02/18/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, scenic view
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Review 24 for Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We were seated on time..a
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We were seated on time..a group of 11 on a most gorgeous Sunday when they were very busy..That was good.. We had to wait a long time before the food came with no bread or butter. would have gladly paid for it but I didn,t ask until the food was amost here. t was a birthday celebration for my 16 yr old triplets..but that wasn,t recognized at all altho I did put it in the reservation...So the food was good..we just jad to wait a long time for aervice."
Dined on 02/10/2013
2010
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Review 25 for Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good food, great beer, very
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Good food, great beer, very good service."
Dined on 01/27/2013
2008
Special Features: scenic view
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Review 26 for Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great beer and yummy food!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We were looking for a casual dinner with fish tacos and great beer, so we were lucky to find the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company. I was impressed with how roomy it was inside the restaurant because it looks smaller from the outside. The staff is attentive without hovering, and the food was delicious! I ordered a clam chowder before my entree, and I recommend it highly. It was creamy and satisfying, not too salty. Since I knew that I would be somewhat full from the beer and chowder, it was a good decision to order a half order of fish tacos. It was perfect, and I like that you get a choice between grilled or fried fish for the tacos. This is a great place to bring friends for a fun dinner."
Dined on 01/11/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 27 for Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service: spotty when busy,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service: spotty when busy, seemed like our server had kept us even though she had moved on to another section rather than handing us off.
Food: ceviche, poke, and calamari were all top-notch.
Drinks: great beer selection, knowledgeable staff.
Atmo: fantastic view of the shore and plenty of seating outdoors and in."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2006
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Based on the average of (38) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
5 out of 5 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic